Sara Pieper

Sara Pieper breeds Shorthorn cattle in Stewardson, IL, situated in east-central Illinois near Champaign, raising registered stock on her family’s small-scale pasture. She is a registered member of the American Shorthorn Association and adheres to recommended health testing protocols for traits such as fertility and calving ease to support genetic soundness and overall herd health. Her animals graze on rotational pasture seeded with native grasses, and they are reared in a family-run environment where early socialization and low-stress handling form the foundation of her husbandry philosophy.

The farm’s approach embraces sustainable grazing practices that build soil health, conserve water, and reflect traditional cattle care methods suited to the region’s seasonal patterns. Over the years several of her cattle have placed well in regional livestock shows, reflecting her attention to balanced conformation, temperament, and the practical needs of local beef operations. Visitors and buyers often comment on the calm disposition of her calves, the consistent condition of breeding stock, and the transparent way she shares information about lineage and management.